Caesar's invasion of Britain / Nathan Braman
Date
2011
Authors
Braman, Nathan
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of History, c2011
Abstract
This paper examines the Roman invasions of and interactions with Britain in the
mid first century BCE and early first century CE and evaluates the results. Specifically,
this paper analyzes motives and the actual military events of the invasions of Julius
Caesar in 55 and 54 BCE and evaluates their aftermath, leading up to the invasion of
Claudius in 43 CE. Caesar’s stated motive for launching the invasion was to prevent the
islanders from interfering in the new Roman order being constructed in Gaul. However,
as will be shown, Caesar’s more personal motives, in the form of a desire for wealth and
glory, played as much if not more of a role in the launching of these expeditions. In light
of these motives, the invasions can be defined, at best, as partial successes. The Romans
militarily defeated the enemy but failed to materially benefit from that victory. Caesar’s
account also leaves numerous points of scholarly debate unresolved on the surface, but a
careful examination of the evidence allows us to answer them in part. This paper provides
a thorough discussion of this interesting period as well as a look at the motives, actions,
and fortunes of the participants.
iii
Description
vi, 148 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Caesar, Julius , Caesar, Julius -- Military leadership , Romans -- Great Britain -- Politics and government , Gaul -- History -- Gallic Wars, 58-51 B.C , Dissertations, Academic , Great Britain -- History -- Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D , Great Britain -- History, Military -- 55 B.C.-449 A.D. , Great Britain -- History -- Invasions